Erdogan hails delivery of new “Iron Dome” air defense system

Thursday 28 August 2025 - 08:15

By: Sahili Aya

Erdogan hails delivery of new “Iron Dome” air defense system

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the handover of the country’s new “Iron Dome” air defense system as a “turning point for Turkey,” during a ceremony held on Wednesday in Ankara.

The system, delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces by state-owned defense companies, includes 47 vehicles valued at around 460 million dollars. Erdogan said the project, launched a year ago, would “inspire confidence among allies and instill fear in adversaries.”

Speaking at the headquarters of Aselsan, one of Turkey’s leading defense industry giants, the president emphasized that recent regional conflicts highlighted the strategic importance of radar and air defense technologies.

“If a nation cannot develop its own radar and defense systems, it cannot secure its future against today’s threats, especially in our region,” Erdogan said. He stressed that the new system would significantly strengthen Turkey’s deterrence and air security.

Defense Minister Yasar Guler also underlined the system’s role in boosting the country’s military capabilities, saying it would ensure “maximum security for our skies.”

The announcement comes as Turkey, a NATO member, pursues a broader plan to build a comprehensive shield against aerial threats, modeled in part on Israel’s well-known “Iron Dome.”

Erdogan also inaugurated construction of a massive defense technology base worth 1.5 billion dollars, which he called the “largest single investment in the defense sector in the history of the Republic.” He stated that part of the complex is expected to become operational by mid-2026, positioning Turkey as a global player in air defense systems.